sofia

A series of solar panels and green roofs by Recover Green Roofs contribute to the energy efficiency of the house, which produces more electrical power than it consumes. MASS Design Group senior principal and cofounding member Sierra Bainbridge designed the home's landscape.

A Seattle couple built their own backyard house with a city-sponsored design—and then rented out their old home on the property to friends.

Offsite Camp cabin in Wassaic, New York, offers a place for city dwellers to work remotely surrounded by nature.

Nashville resident Kelli Hix added a 500-square-foot guest apartment onto the back of her 1930s bungalow.

Blue Savoy marble from Coastal Tile lines the floor.

Floor Plan of Casa Flores Bungalow by Avi Ross Group

An outdoor fireplace and courtyard create what Twohill calls a distinct “territory” between the main house (right) and the new addition while maintaining privacy for both dwellings. “The courtyard is particularly important because the family loves being on the ground,” he says. The stools are from Martin’s furniture company.

Tucked away from street view, the OCM House runs east to west to optimize north-facing views of the lawn and garden. The home is designed to embrace the outdoors and is within walking distance of rivers and beautiful beaches.

Weekend House in the Woods winter mode

Summer time in the woods

Floor Plan of Trianon Apartment by Leandro Garcia

As an experiment in creating much-needed long-term housing for Marfa, Texas, architect Candid Rogers developed a small empty lot with two compact rentals using durable, inexpensive materials inspired by the desert landscape. Rogers leases the 360-square-foot units, targeting a rate of around $1,000 per month. The Doors are from Jeld-Wen, while the wood structure is from Weyerhaeuser.

Toronto architect Gregory Neudorf creates a pristine and practical 400-square-foot dwelling with nautical storage below deck.

House in No Man’s Land floor plan